Customer Reviews

Devil Dog Diary: A day by day account of US Marine Corps training

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The author does a superb job at personifying how a typical, unmotivated young man without direction is transformed into a strong, proud and dedicated United States Marine. Each page keeps you hanging on, eager to learn more about the boot camp experience. This book is a must read for all, especially a parent, recruiter, young person seeking their own path and all retired "devil dogs"Devil Dog Diary: A day by day account of US Marine Corps training

This is THE best book about boot camp. This tells it like it really is and was. Although the author went through it in 1995, and I went through Parris Island from November 1, 1963 to January 29, 1964, the training has changed very little. The drill instructors have passed on what they have learned over the years, to each other, it appears, because some scenarios and descriptions are virtually identical to the boot camp of 1963. Many years have passed but some things never change. What they instill into recruits is the same. The same pride.
There is a review here somewhere that complains that the author does a good job of capturing boot camp but there is nothing new in it compared to other books. This book is not a novel, or a fly by night book. It is the genuine article, the real thing, and it is not supposed to be updated yearly. In my mind it is the best book about Marine Corps boot camp that you can get. I was absolutely amazed at how little boot camp has changed over the years. The same challenges, the same training, the same manner of the DIs. We had M-14s and they have M-16s now, but besides that it is the same boot camp. Pride was instilled back then and they are still doing it, and even as we speak it is still being done.
No one has the training that the Marine Corps provides. No armed forces in any part of the world can possibly equal the USMC in terms of training and readiness and pride. That is why the Eagle, Globe and Anchor is what it is today, because if everyone could do it, it would mean nothing.
This book is a mirror image of boot camp not only in 1995 but in 2009, and also in 1963 and all the years in between.
Boot camp is timeless. This book reflects that. If you never read anything else about the Marine Corps, be sure you read this book!

Whether you are in the military or a civilian such as myself, this book gives a thorough and humorous view into the world of a Marine Corps Recruit. The author really takes you into his mind as you watch his transition from a rebel-rousing boy into a Marine Corps man! A must have book!!

i lost 10 pounds just reading the book!!! A very good read. especially for anyone wishing to join the corps. the lessons are universal in that what you gain from this book is no different from what you might learn from any successful businessman/woman, teacher,student, parent, car salesman, broker, doctor, coach/athlete etc. who all have to endure physical and psychological challenges in persuit of achieveing success in their endeavors. great motivation!!! SEMPER FI!!!

DEVIL DOG DIARY was a fantastic read, and is without a doubt the BEST boot camp book ever written! It's not a journalist interviewing Marines, it was written by an actual Marine. And what's cool is that it is not his memories made into a book months or years later, he actually wrote it DURING boot camp! And there are lots of amazing photos, showing the author IN boot camp, as well as before and after. This is an amazing and inspirational book.

One reviewer said this book "didn't really shed any new light on anything." How ridiculous. Don't believe it for a second! If you are thinking of joining the Marines, you will tear through this book in one sitting, and I promise it will shed "new light" on EVERYTHING, on every single page!

It's simple, really: Do you want to drive down a dark and strange road without a clue as to where you are going or when you will get there, or would you prefer to have a detailed road map created by a veteran traveler? Future Marines -- DEVIL DOG DIARY is your road map to sucsess in boot camp. It's a fun, detailed, and VERY informative read. A unique and valuable book. Don't leave for Parris Island without it!

My husband is currently a Drill Instructor on Parris Island, so this was very interesting to me. Although there are some differences in Recruit training these days, it was still a good read. I read it in two days and wished there was more!

This book covers the day to day experiences of a recruit going through recruit training. Having
been a Marine for 20 years and also a drill instructor, thoroughly enjoyed this book by GySgt Price.
If your a Marine, it will bring back memories of boot camp, and if your not a Marine, read it and enjoy it anyway.

OUTSTANDING Great Read FOR ALL MARINES BRINGS BACK MEMORIES FOR ANY MARINE TO GO THROUGH PARRIS ISLAND

This book is phenomenal for any one considering the USMC, for those who are a Marine and for those who know a Marine. It really allows one to experience the mental anguish of a recruit at bootcamp. It should be a mandatory read for all potential recruits!

This summer i leave for San Deigo, for boot camp. After reading this AMAZING book, i am now even more motivated and pumped to become a MARINE!! This book is great for anyone planning on joining, or anyone that knows somebody in the Marines.